Mt Laurel shopping 1 Here's what you need to know about tax-free shopping this weekend in Alabama, July 21-23 — Whether you’re school shopping or not, this weekend is your chance to save big. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the annual tax-free weekend in Alabama. All weekend long, smart shoppers and school preppers alike will be able to purchase qualifying items with no sales tax.

Keep reading and learn more about what kinds of items are exempt and where to shop this year.

Alabama’s 18th annual tax-free holiday

Dear Prudence, Summit — Dear Prudence at The Summit. (Riley Campbell/ Bham Now)

Little Professor — Dear Prudence at The Summit. (Riley Campbell/ Bham Now)

From Friday July 21 to midnight Sunday July 23, Alabama shoppers in participating areas across the state will be able to purchase certain school supplies, clothes and more free of sales tax.

Participating cities in the Birmingham area include:

Birmingham
Hoover
Homewood
Pelham
Mountain Brook
Chelsea
Irondale
+ more– view the full list here

Here’s what you can buy tax-free

Thank You Books — All books qualify for tax exemption except magazines and newspapers. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Let’s cut to the chase– what can you buy this weekend? According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, here are some of the eligible items.

Clothing items less than $100 each
Single purchases of computers, computer supplies or computer software $750 or less
School supplies, school art supplies or school instructional material $50 or less per item
Books at $30 or less each

You can view the full list here.

Don’t forget these tax-free items

Even if you aren’t shopping for school, you can still get in on the deals this weekend. Save big on these tax-free items:

Diapers
Art supplies (paintbrushes, canvases, sketchpads)
Computer storage devices
Printer ink

What items do NOT qualify?

Unfortunately, the tax-free weekend doesn’t apply to all items. Here are some things you won’t receive a tax break on this weekend.

Cell phones
Video games
Makeup
Jewelry
Handbags
Furniture

Support local this holiday weekend

Want to help support local businesses? We’ve got you covered. We’ve made shopping local as easy as a few clicks thanks to our local business guide. Search hundreds of businesses selling everything you need this weekend.

Plus, add your biz to the guide today for free.

Check out more of our tax-free guides here: